Eagles vs. Cowboys Week 7 Preview: Matchup, Injuries, and Odds

The Philadelphia Eagles (2-4) will try to snap an NFC-worst four-game losing streak when they host their hated rival, the Dallas Cowboys (2-4) at 8:15 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26. For all their struggles this season, the Cowboys still have starting quarterback Dak Prescott at their disposal; the Eagles will have to roll with backup Tanner McKee as a result of Jalen Hurts’ season-ending struggle with blood clots.

Philadelphia’s injury woes don’t end there. DeVonta Smith is out once again with a hamstring injury, as is No. 2 receiver Dontayvion Wicks; Dallas Goedert nursed a knee injury during the week, but his status against the Cowboys is unspecified as of right now. Regardless, the Eagles don’t have much of a supporting cast to help McKee hold his own in this Monday Night Football matchup on ESPN. Betting odds have them as a +4.5 home underdog, their +180 money line odds indicating a roughly 35 percent chance of winning.

Eagles’ Outlook

McKee completed 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards and a score in his start against the Panthers last week, taking care of the football without providing much scoring upside. Smith, Goedert and Wicks finished top three in receiving yards; McKee found Goedert for six catches and 61 yards, so the veteran tight end could provide a valuable safety net if his knee doesn’t provide too much grief.

Philadelphia’s rushing offense stagnated terribly with McKee under center, as Dameon Pierce ran for just 35 yards on 12 carries. Saquon Barkley is set to return to the lineup, which should give their ground game a boost… but if the Cowboys can stack the box without much of a threat over the top from McKee, Barkley’s effectiveness could take a hit. Even so, he could help McKee settle in on some short throws and screens that weren’t available last week.

Expect a bigger role for Darius Cooper (eight catches for 139 yards and four touchdowns) with Smith and Wicks absent… but he and McKee will need to develop the chemistry that Cooper had brewing with Hurts. Philadelphia’s defense could be the key to this matchup; linemen Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis can provide push up front, while the Eagles’ secondary can help keep their limited offensive within striking range.

Cowboys’ Outlook

Most of the Cowboys’ struggles this season stem from a shaky defense: they’re allowing 26.5 points and 389 yards per game, and a struggling ground game — lead running back Javonte Williams is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry despite seven rushing touchdowns — makes it hard for them to keep the ball out of their opponents’ hands.

Starting quarterback Dak Prescott is competent as always, completing 163 of 246 passes for 1,639 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. That he’s throwing more than 40 times a game tells you everything you need to know about how the Cowboys’ season has played out. Dallas’ offensive line has done an excellent job of keeping Prescott upright, allowing a hair over one sack per game in spite of his frequent drop backs.

Prescott’s top target is CeeDee Lamb (48 catches for 577 yards and four touchdowns). George Pickens (33 catches for 428 yards and a score) gives the Cowboys a dangerous 1-2 punch and although he’s nursing a shoulder injury, Dallas listed him as active for tonight’s game.